The William Glesby Centre's season wraps up soon, and executive director Chris Kitchen shares his thoughts of how they fared financially.

Chris Kitchen"Right down the middle. We had more shows this season that we presented -- now, we're not talking about people renting or anything -- but more shows that we presented this season than we've done in quite a number of years. When it came down to it, some were good, and some weren't as successful as we hoped they would be. And so, everything balances right down that middle line. But it doesn't mean you're not going up and down that roller coaster while you're trying to sell tickets (laughs)."

He says his awareness of what Portagers want has benefited from the feedback of the City.

"Here is this new guy and he's bringing in some new ideas and things like that. My enthusiasm had to be curbed a little bit, in order to learn more about what people in Portage like in their music, and what they would like the come to, and what they would like to see. It wasn't that we were wrong in trying out some great things. I think we brought in some fantastic acts. Every time we do something we improve. Every concert we have, we know what people want more. We understand what they're looking for -- what they like. Simply what they like and don't like. When they come and hear somebody, they're going to say, 'It was phenomenal,' or, 'That wasn't my cup of tea.' And you learn that like right after that show's done. And you learn from it."

Kitchen shares a bit of what you can expect in the next season.

"Essentially we'll be beginning very soon into the spring. We are looking at a season that's more broader. We still want to be a place where people can try new things. So, we're never going to lose that. You know, that whole idea of having a season that has classical music, for example. A lot of people don't go out looking for classical music. I don't. But when the Glesby puts it on, 'We've got season tickets. Okay we'll give it a shot.' And a lot of people come away saying, 'Hey! That was amazing.' So, we're going to still try it and keep that up. And try introducing news things to people. This season we're determined to bring in some very familiar music. I can't go into what yet, but I can promise that people will not be disappointed by a couple of things we've got planned. And we've got the traditional genre, maybe with a twist (laughs)."

He notes Sierra Noble is returning to the Centre this Saturday, adding the Gaudry Boys will be in the Coffee House on March 12th. And March 20th, the final final show, features The Fortunate Ones from the east coast. Kitchen describes the husband and wife team as having a very strong east coast sound. Spring dramas will still take place after that, and the Centre will take a break by the end of June to gear up for the 2016/2017 season.